The Shads' vocals

[drakula63]

What especially struck me was that one of the songs, "That's The Way It Goes" (I think), was actually composed in 1961! OK, they may have re-arranged it for the 1964 album, but here is a song that is not a thousand miles away from what the Beatles were doing in '63/'64 - and yet it was composed three years earlier! I'd love to know more about the history of this song.

The song was originally recorded by Frank Ifield (produced by Norrie Paramor - the connection) and issued by Columbia as his 4th single (DB 4568) in January 1961, but failed to make an impression on the charts. The Brook Brothers (the UK answer to the Everlys) also issued a version on their 1961 Pye album (The Brook Brothers, NPL 18067), produced by Tony Hatch.

Bill

Thanks, Bill. A shame they didn't release it first!!!

[iefje]

"That's The Way It Goes" and "Don't It Make You Feel Good" have been coupled as a single around 1964, in either the United States or Canada or maybe both.

[dave robinson]

Just to show I'm not against the Shads vocals altogether I think that Bruce's 'Please MR Please' is brilliant !

[Fiesta red]

When the Beatles met the Shads I believe they suggested that the Shads should record more vocals. Bruce has written some great great songs.

[neil2726]

Probably in the early days they could have had quite a few vocal hits with their own compositions! Trouble is they gave tham all to Cliff!

[GoldenStreet]

I wonder if The Day I Met Marie would have been a hit single for the Shads had Hank not given it to Cliff? He, reportedly, felt it was one of his best songs.

Bill

[hansaustria]

Great songs - very professional vocals at a time were studio tricks like today were NOT possible !

Hats off to these guys !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=othfxshKxO4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yDUhkl5PJA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FNQCWOzgXQ


Regards
Hans

[Fenderman]

When the Beatles met the Shads I believe they suggested that the Shads should record more vocals. Bruce has written some great great songs.

That's where 'I want you to want me' came from (the b-side to Atlantis) as i think George Harrison had met them at a party early in 1963 and encouraged them to do more vocals, Hank went away and came up with this track, this story might be wrong as it's from memory and i think was mentioned in The Shadows story.
It's also interesting that from 1963 onwards they started releasing more original material as singles.

[GoldenStreet]

I think my all time favourite vocal track has to be All My Sorrows, with great harmonies and acoustic arrangement, but then I'm something of an old folkie, too!

Bill

[Iain Purdon]

My personal view is that Bruce is a pretty good singer but Hank not so much. They blend well though, or MW&F couldn't have worked. They are cracking backing vocalists!